“AT Churchill Retirement every day’s a holiday”, says Kathleen Yarsley, the first owner at Mitton Lodge in Stourport.

On the weekend of June 22-23 the Churchill Retirement Living development had its grand opening, and more than 100 visitors experienced the lifestyle on offer, whilst enjoying pimms and strawberries and cream.

It is proving to be a very popular development, as in the 13 weeks since it launched, nine apartments have been reserved with seven owners now moved in.

One current happy owner is Mrs Yarsley, who moved in at the end of May, and is already a firm convert to the Churchill lifestyle, so much so that she thinks ‘every day is a holiday’ should be the new company slogan!

“It feels as though all my needs have been catered for,” she enthused.

Her previous home in Stourport was on a very busy bottleneck crossing, where the traffic sped by with little regard for pedestrians.

There were other alarming problems too: one morning, she awoke to find thieves stripping the lead from the roof. Inside her old home, she had difficulties with the stairs and finding her way around the house at night.

Mrs Yarsley watched with interest as the site on Vale Road was cleared and Mitton Lodge built and she believes that everything meets her needs.

“The security is fabulous,” she said, adding that the lodge manager, Frank, is very helpful, “and he has oodles of patience!”

She likes the fact that the light switches are illuminated, a great help when it’s dark.

Being an apartment, there are no problems with stairs. It’s very peaceful too. A stretch of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal runs alongside Mitton Lodge, and Mrs Yarsley, with an apartment overlooking it, can enjoy the colourful scene of narrowboats without being disturbed by any noise.

“Very good soundproofing” is another feature she approves of.

She has also been enjoying the landscaped gardens when the weather permits and added: “They must have spent hundreds of pounds on the plants, it’s absolutely beautiful. The other day I was sitting under the gazebo in the sun, with a cup of tea and two cream horns, and I said, ‘this is the life for me.’ ”

MrsYarsley finds the location on Vale Road extremely convenient, just a couple of minutes from the Co-op, Tesco and her doctor. “You don’t have to bother about taxis,” she said. In addition, there’s a bus stop right outside.

Even her move into the lodge was tailor-made for her – she selected the carpets, fireplace and wallpapers, and all were installed beforehand.

“When I moved in, it was like a palace. I was really pleased,” she said. “I’m thrilled. I’d recommend it to anyone!”

Mitton Lodge comprises private, self-contained apartments specially designed for retired owners, with security features such as a video-entry system, a 24-hour Careline and on-site manager. Communal facilities include an owners’ lounge and guest suite, laundry room and landscaped gardens.

For more information about Mitton Lodge, call Elaine Maryan or Jenny Jones on 01299 821264.

The show complex is open daily from 10am to 5pm.